Hope for Nature: A Breath of Fresh Air

Lens-Artists Challenge #299 – Hopeful

Hope for Nature

This week, Patti challenges us to reflect on what makes us hopeful. Read about it and be inspired here. Through her inspirational words and beautiful photos, she offers various ways we can use to express that. This is what being hopeful means to me. If you prefer to skip the text and see a slideshow of these eight featured photos, I have included a slideshow at the end of this post. Click here to go to the slideshow immediately.

Our world is facing many challenges. Humankind has not been kind to nature and wildlife. Action is overdue if we are to survive as a species and leave a habitable world for future generations. I am hopeful when I look around and see beyond our problems. I see beauty and resilience around us, and that inspires hope.

Take, for example, the efforts in many areas to clean up rivers, lakes, and oceans. Small steps can lead to great results.

Sunsets, such as the one in this photo of Swiftcurrent Lake at Glacier NP, symbolize new and hopeful beginnings. Natural renewal cycles can teach us lessons in nature preservation and conservation.


For example, after storms, a rainbow appears to symbolize hope and optimism. We heard nature’s response to stormy times when we witnessed rainbows for two consecutive days while staying in Silverthorne, Colorado.


Spring’s hope for new beginnings

At Caprock Canyons State Park, for example, the official Texas Bison Herd program ensures the continuing survival of these genetically unique and distinct Southern Plains bison subspecies. From an initial herd of 32 bison in 1996, that population has now grown to over 200 heads! Each spring, new calves are born. Saving endangered species and protecting habitats for future generations create hope.

A prairie dog looks out in the distance as if contemplating its hopeful future. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has another ecosystem restoration at Caprock Canyons SP. On June 28, 2012, the park reintroduced twenty-nine Black-tailed Prairie Dogs. It is part of the park’s program of a “prairie restoration project to return the park’s landscape and wildlife back to its appearance prior to European settlement,” says TPWD’s website.


Sierra del Carmen, Mexico (as seen from Big Bend National Park)

Our national parks‘ mountains and protected areas protect ecosystems and encourage responsible outdoor recreation to appreciate these natural wonders.


Nature is resilient. A single, strong tree standing tall shows us the power of nature to persist even in harsh conditions. It is a testament to hopeful times amidst challenges. We witness that repeatedly in various state parks in Texas, such as the Davis Mountains SP.


Engelmann daisy and Mexican ruellia

As humans, we need to learn from nature and protect it. If two distinct wildflowers can coexist, such as the Engelmann Daisy and Mexican Ruellia seen above, humans can also do the same and appreciate their diversity. Being different makes us stronger and hopeful for a better tomorrow.


When I stood at this point at Huntsville State Park to capture this image on your right, I saw beyond the road. A road can lead us to a hopeful destination and a hopeful future, which depends on our present actions. Let’s lead the way!

I urge you to get involved with local conservation organizations and help secure a hopeful future.


Last week, Tina guided us through an intriguing challenge that explored what it meant to be young again. The response we saw here was eye-opening and often very touching. Your beautiful photos covered cherished memories and much more.

This week, Patti wants us to think about what hopeful is. Please share your ideas and photos for the challenge by leaving a comment on her original challenge post and using the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post. That helps us and others find your entries.

Next week, Ann-Christine will reveal a new and exciting challenge on Saturday, 12 noon (EDT in the USA). Stay tuned. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Slideshow



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56 Responses

  1. restlessjo
    | Reply

    Such a beautiful post, Egidio! Your images are amazing, and truly full of hope.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks so much, Jo. I appreciate your feedback.

  2. SoyBend
    | Reply

    The picture from Glacier was my favorite, Egidio. Almost surreal. Also liked the gorgeous purple and yellow flowers.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Siobhan, I thank you for these kind words.

  3. Leya
    | Reply

    You do restore hope to the reader of this post, Egidio! I often despair when I think about how much we destroy and how far we have come away from each other – nature and humans. Thank you for this glorious and hopeful post! As always your photography is breathtakingly beautiful and now your words too lead us in the positive direction.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Ann-Christine, your words and support just made my day. Many thanks for your compliment and feedback.

  4. JohnRH
    | Reply

    Beauties Egidio. Thoughtful too. Excellent.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      I appreciate your feedback, John. Thank you.

  5. Khurt L Williams
    | Reply

    Beautiful photographs of life and nature Egidio. The photograph of the country road reminds me of my neighbourhood.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you very much, Khürt. You live in a beautiful area. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos.

  6. Shelley
    | Reply

    Your take on the prompt is bursting of hopeful inspiration, Egidio. A cause to pause, reflect, and endear our hearts to notice how we humans, no matter how small we may feel in the vastness of nature’s beauty, we can make a difference by treating it and each other with kindness and encouragement to carry on. The way the lighting danced in each photo made me smile! Well done 🥰🤩

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Shelley, I’m full of gratitude for your comments. Thank you very much. I don’t know what it’ll take for us humans to realize that we will be the ones gone. The Earth will stick around no matter what. Thanks again.

      • Shelley
        | Reply

        You’re welcome! Thankfully, there are people who do, like you!

  7. Marsha
    | Reply

    These are all gorgeous, Egidio. You are truly a professional capturing unique content and processing it beautifully. It’s a viewing pleasure. The mirage-looking road captured my attention right away.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Marsha, your kind words are very endearing. Thank you very much.

      • Marsha
        | Reply

        You are very deserving!

  8. Wind Kisses
    | Reply

    Such beautiful images, Egidio. I love that you speak about restoration, conservation, and I agree with you about rainbows symbolizing hope and optimism. I And yes, let’s lead the way. What a great way to show us what your mean with the fantastic road photo. Fantastic.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Donna, thank you very much for your kindness and feedback. I am glad there is hope and optimism in the post. Thank you.

  9. Dina
    | Reply

    Fabulous presentation, Egidio! Lovely photos filled with hope. So different to our part of the world.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Dina, thank you very much for your compliment. I am glad the photos were filled with hope.

  10. Sylvia Bacon
    | Reply

    Egidio, your pictures are beautiful! And, your message is great and gives us something to hope for.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Sylvia, I am happy the post serves its purpose in giving hope. Thanks for your kind words.

  11. Aletta - nowathome
    | Reply

    Such a beautiful positive post, Egidio! Your photos are stunning!

  12. Cee Neuner
    | Reply

    Gorgeous photo that brought a lot of hope to my heart. I love the curvy country road. 😀

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you very much, Cee, for your feedback. I’m glad the post had that hope effect.

  13. Toonsarah
    | Reply

    I love how you’ve focused on all the positive things that people can do to protect our planet and its wildlife. The challenges, rightly, get a lot of publicity, but it’s important to remember how much we can do to put right the wrongs of the past 🙂 And I love your photos, in particular the rainbow over the mountain in Silverthorne – that’s a stunner!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Sarah, thank you very much for the encouragement and feedback. I appreciated that.

  14. Amy
    | Reply

    Beautiful photo selections, Egidio! Love the second one especially. Texas Bison, how cool!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Amy. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. The bison was wonderful to observe. I got that photo right from inside my car. The bison roam freely everywhere in the park.

  15. gapyearwithgrace
    | Reply

    I love this. Thanks for the inspiring and hopeful post. Stunning images.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you so much for your feedback. I’m glad you liked the post.

  16. photobyjohnbo
    | Reply

    A beautiful marriage of nature and hope, Egidio! Your photos are spectacular, but my two favorites are Silverthorne and Glacier.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, John. Those two photos at the end of the day captured beautiful light and that rainbow.

  17. pattimoed
    | Reply

    Fantastic post, Egidio…both in words and images. Your nature photos are stunning and inspiring. Just wonderful! One is more beautiful than the next! The rainbow image lingers in my mind. A wonderful symbol of hope!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Patti, thanks for your strong words of support. It means a lot to me.

  18. margaret21
    | Reply

    Lovely bits of evidence of hope. A beautiful post.

  19. Sofia Alves
    | Reply

    A feast for the eyes and the soul. It’s a lovely way to start the day and to remember what is worth fighting for. Beautiful post, Egídio.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Sofia, I am happy I was able to help your day get started on the right note. Thank you.

  20. Tra Italia e Finlandia
    | Reply

    Giustissimo il messaggio che dai e foto magnifiche. 👏

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Sono così felice che ti sia piaciuto il messaggio e le foto. Grazie.

  21. I. J. Khanewala
    | Reply

    I like the idea of a sideshow at the end of the post. Beautiful photos

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      I.J., I thought some people look at posts for the photos. So, a slideshow is something I’ll incorporate in future posts. Thanks for the feedback and compliment.

  22. Rainbows are Nature’s comforting embrace.
    The enduring strength of a single tree amidst adversity echoes nature’s remarkable resilience.
    Embracing diversity, like wildflowers coexisting, strengthens humanity, fostering hope for a brighter future together.
    Love these three examples.
    Beautiful collection of images along with your thoughts.
    Thank you Egidio.

  23. Tina Schell
    | Reply

    I loved your approach to the challenge Egidio. I must admit the thought of responding with the hope that comes from our efforts to save the planet never occurred to me, and yet it’s probably the most important thing in our world today. Your images are spectacular and illustrate your points perfectly. Beautifully done.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Tina, I’m glad that you enjoyed the post and photos. As another read pointed out, it’s not the planet that in danger. It’ll survive. Humankind is what is in danger. Thanks for the compliments and feedback. I love how these challenges make me think in terms of my own photo journey.

  24. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Wow Egidio, your pictures are terrific with perfect lighting. Nature and the photography capturing it is hopeful. I enjoyed this post.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Anne, thank you for your encouraging statements. I very much appreciate that.

  25. Writing to Freedom
    | Reply

    Beautiful photos and reminders about the resiliency of nature. I believe nature will survive and thrive. Mankind is much less likely to survive unless we dramatically change how we live.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Brad, thank you very much for the compliment. You are absolutely right the survival outcome.

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